• Registered: 2008-12-16
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Court Hearing for Domestic Abuse Divorce, Can't Hear

I had my first court hearing today and couldn't hear a thing. I filed for divorce after 30 years of marriage. It is an abusive marriage. He does not allow me access to money for hearing aids...or food or transportation....but he is a dentist, earns a good living, so I am not qualified for financial aid. I cannot afford hearing aids or an attorney...he paid an attorney $6500 to represent him. I need to hear what the judge is saying. I feel like a fool and it was not appreciated by the judge when I burst out crying in frustration. I now have a continuance.
Any advice?

  • Larry
  • Administrator
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  • Registered: 2008-11-21
  • Posts: 22

Re: Court Hearing for Domestic Abuse Divorce, Can't Hear

Hi Lisa,

The first thing you should do is arrange to have real time captioning or an interpreter (if you sign). Courts are required by law (Americans with Disabilities Act) to provide communications access to folks with disabilities, and you must insist on exercising this right. Pretty much any court is aware of this requirement, although many won't bring it up if you don't. So insist on that.

I'd also strongly urge you to hire an attorney. If you husband has one, so should you!

You might also contact the local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America to see if anyone there has any suggestions for you. If nothing else, they will provide good moral support as you go through this process. To find a chapter near you, go to http://www.hearingloss.org and click on the button that says "Locate Chapters"

And please let us know how this goes.

Best wishes,
Larry

  • Registered: 2009-02-16
  • Posts: 9

Re: Court Hearing for Domestic Abuse Divorce, Can't Hear

AL was right/correct about the "Federal" ADA Law.

Under the Law the court must allow communications access to folks with HOH/Deaf disabilities.  Not only would I contact the Hearing Loss Association of America, but also the clerk of the court to inform them of your HOH/Deaf situation.

Under different circumstances I would say "we're all standing behind you".. but in your case "we're all standing shoulder to shoulder by you side"!

Please keep us updated to let us know how this goes.

Shi-Ku Chishiki  ShiKu.Chishiki@Gmail.com

  • From: Miami FL
  • Registered: 2009-10-22
  • Posts: 12

Re: Court Hearing for Domestic Abuse Divorce, Can't Hear

Lisa,

Do take the above advice about the ADA act and get assistance with hearing and get a lawyer. I repaid mine monthly over two years.

I had a mediated divorce, in the lawyers office, without going to court. It is cheaper and faster.

BTW, my ex also was insensitive to my hearing loss. He too was unsupportive financially when it came to my hearing aids, and he frequently mumbled and covered his mouth as he talked. But, we both had our faults and have moved on since the divorce.

You will get through this ok! It takes a lot of guts to get out of a bad relationship, so more power to you and much future happiness!

Janet